Congratulations! You made it! You survived and excelled in your student teaching. You are now a science teacher! If you would, take a few minutes to share your wisdom about how to negotiate this difficult year with the students who are following in your footsteps by answering the following questions.
a. What are some things students can do in their fall practicum to make their student teaching go more smoothly?
Start learning student names during your observations - especially if you're getting a Middle Level Endorsement. About the time you learn all their names, you're leaving and going on to your second student-teaching placement. The students like to know that you know their name (most of the time!)
Ask your cooperating teacher for his/her syllabus and keep it in a safe place. You'll need it!
b. What 430 topics/assignments should students make sure are addressed in detail to prepare them for student teaching?
Topic: Classroom Management - there are alsways students who will have sidebar conversations - in oral, electronic or written form - while you're trying to concentrate on delivery of content. The bottom line is this: if they're not listening, it doesn't matter how well you deliver the material. (All the hours you spent preparing...)
c. Help the next group of science education student teachers by completing the thought: "If I knew in September what I know now, I could have done a better job during student teaching if I had ...."
over-planned classroom activities!"
You can always omit an activity if time runs out.
d. Are there other words of wisdom/encouragement that you want to share?
Remember that you are teaching kids and that they will make mistakes. Remember that you, too, are still learning, and will make mistakes.
a. What are some things students can do in their fall practicum to make their student teaching go more smoothly?
Start learning student names during your observations - especially if you're getting a Middle Level Endorsement. About the time you learn all their names, you're leaving and going on to your second student-teaching placement. The students like to know that you know their name (most of the time!)
Ask your cooperating teacher for his/her syllabus and keep it in a safe place. You'll need it!
b. What 430 topics/assignments should students make sure are addressed in detail to prepare them for student teaching?
Topic: Classroom Management - there are alsways students who will have sidebar conversations - in oral, electronic or written form - while you're trying to concentrate on delivery of content. The bottom line is this: if they're not listening, it doesn't matter how well you deliver the material. (All the hours you spent preparing...)
c. Help the next group of science education student teachers by completing the thought: "If I knew in September what I know now, I could have done a better job during student teaching if I had ...."
over-planned classroom activities!"
You can always omit an activity if time runs out.
d. Are there other words of wisdom/encouragement that you want to share?
Remember that you are teaching kids and that they will make mistakes. Remember that you, too, are still learning, and will make mistakes.